Culture

Tuesday 19 February 2019 by OPMagazine & News Agencies

Sailor in Life’s iconic Times Square kissing photo dies

George Mendonsa had a seizure on Sunday (local time) after falling at an assisted living facility in Middleton, Rhode Island, his daughter Sharon Molleur said. In the famous image, one of four taken by Alfred Eisenstadt for Life magazine, Mr Mendonsa is seen ecstatically kissing a woman in a white nurse’s uniform. The picture was published by Life as V-J Day in Times Square, referring to the day Japan surrendered to the US. The iconic ... ► Read more

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has cancelled a high-level visit to Israel after Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu said that “Poles collaborated with the Nazis”. Mr Netanyahu’s comment sparked outrage in Poland, which suffered the murders of millions of both Jewish and ethnic Poles during Nazi occupation. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office has said Mr Netanyahu was “misquoted” by Haaretz, the oldest and one of the most-read newspapers in Israel. “Netanyahu spoke of Poles and not ... ► Read more

Wednesday 13 February 2019 by OPMagazine & News Agencies

Macedonia officially changes name to North Macedonia

The Macedonian Government says the balkan country is now officially renamed North Macedonia, under an agreement to normalise relations with Greece that also allows it to enter NATO. A Government press release says that as of Tuesday, the country is officially called the Republic of North Macedonia. An official said the decision would be published in the Government’s gazette later on Tuesday (local time). As of Wednesday (local time), the new name will be incorporated ... ► Read more

Tuesday 12 February 2019 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Byron Bay Bluesfest director threatens to move festival interstate

Peter Noble, the director of the iconic Byron Bay Bluesfest, has threatened to move the festival out of New South Wales, claiming new State Government guidelines are threatening the viability of the event. Mr Noble said strict licensing and safety guidelines could cost organisers hundreds of thousands of dollars. “We are the industry professionals, we are the people that are presenting events at the highest levels,” Mr Noble said. “Bluesfest has just been inducted into ... ► Read more

Tuesday 12 February 2019 by Sam Elliott and Matilda Elliott

Filthy Crew: Curating a show near you

Today we bring to you someone we admire and want you all to appreciate too! Initially we had met said person, Luka Flanagan, at the beginning of 2018. It was in a fit of smoke, music, and lots of giddy laughter from your dopey twins. In further conversing with our newest friend, we were beyond shocked to believe that this guy had just turned 18. He was two years our junior, and he had such ... ► Read more

Monday 11 February 2019 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Universal sues Clive Palmer over use of Twisted Sister hit

Universal Music is suing Clive Palmer for copyright infringement, after the businessman used a reworked version of Twisted Sister’s 1984 hit “We’re Not Gonna Take It” to promote the United Australia Party. Universal bought the publishing rights to the song from Twisted Sister’s frontman and songwriter Dee Snider in 2015, and filed the suit last week. The band has publicly denounced the cover, with band manager and guitarist John Finch saying that the band “have ... ► Read more

Tuesday 5 February 2019 by Joseph Olbrycht-Palmer

Pope Francis makes historic visit to Abu Dhabi

Leader of the Catholic Church Pope Francis has landed in Abu Dhabi for a historic three-day visit to the Arabian Peninsula. Upon arriving in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Pope was greeted by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and then Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif University and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. Ahead ... ► Read more

Wednesday 30 January 2019 by Joseph Olbrycht-Palmer

Australia retains ranking in anti-corruption index

Australia has kept its ranking in Transparency International’s annual anti-corruption index among the top 20 cleanest countries in the world. Denmark, New Zealand and Finland took first, second and third respectively, with Australia sitting just between the UK and Austria at 13th. Transparency International’s 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index shows more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50 — 100 being very clean and 0 being very corrupt. Australia has maintained its 2017 ranking of 77/100. While ... ► Read more

Tuesday 29 January 2019 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Anti-semitic protests at Auschwitz on Holocaust Memorial Day

A small group of hardline Polish nationalists gathered in protest at the Auschwitz concentration camp on Sunday, as officials and survivors commemorated the 74th anniversary of the camp’s liberation. The two groups gathered in different parts of the camp and did not encounter each other. At the official ceremony on Sunday — which is also International Holocaust Victims Remembrance Day — government officials, including Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, were joined in prayer by some of ... ► Read more

Tuesday 29 January 2019 by OPMagazine & News Agencies

St Petersburg marks 75th anniversary of Leningrad siege end

Saint Petersburg marked the 75th anniversary of the lifting of the Siege of Leningrad over the weekend with a military parade in the centre of the city and commemorations of the fallen. The World War II siege, which lasted for 872 days and killed an estimated one million people, is remembered every year on January 27 — the day it was lifted by Soviet troops in 1944. The parade in Russia’s second-largest city was the ... ► Read more

Friday 25 January 2019 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Remains of explorer Matthew Flinders found under London’s Euston Station

The remains of explorer Matthew Flinders have been found underneath London’s Euston Station during construction work on the HS2 high-speed rail project. In 1802 Flinders was the first European to circumnavigate the Australian continent, accompanied by indigenous explorer Bungaree of the Kuringgai people. Flinders died at the age of 40, on the day after his book A Voyage to Terra Australis was published, and was interred in St James’s cemetery on 23 July 1814. St James’s grew rapidly, but ... ► Read more

Wednesday 23 January 2019 by OPMagazine & News Agencies

HMS Endeavour replica to circumnavigate Australia to mark 250 years since Cook’s arrival

A multi-million dollar journey to mark Captain James Cook’s first voyage to Australia in 1770 will improve public understanding of the historical event, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says. The Federal Government will give $6.7 million to the Australian National Maritime Museum so its replica of the Endeavour can circumnavigate the country, stopping at 39 different spots along the way. Mr Morrison initially referred to the voyage as a “re-enactment”, but later clarified that he was ... ► Read more

Tuesday 22 January 2019 by OPMagazine & News Agencies

Did MAGA hat-donned kids mock a Native American elder?

A video picked up by media at the weekend showing young male students wearing Make America Great Again (MAGA) caps surrounding and drowning out a Native American elder does not reveal the whole picture. Social media lit up when footage circulated online of the confrontation at a rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. The video showed a young student in a red MAGA cap standing directly in front of elder Nathan Phillips, who was ... ► Read more

A video showing a crowd of teenagers surrounding a Native American elder and other activists and mocking them after an Indigenous Peoples March has sparked global outrage. Videos of the confrontation show a smiling young man in a red Make America Great Again hat standing directly in front of the man, who was playing a drum and chanting. Other kids could be seen laughing, jumping around and making fun of the chants. “I did not ... ► Read more

Friday 18 January 2019 by Joseph Olbrycht-Palmer

Morrison’s Pacific trip needs to be more than a one-off

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has kicked off the new year by visiting our Pacific neighbours Vanuatu and Fiji in a bid to bolster relations. It is undeniable that China’s growing influence in the region is at the core of this highly unusual trip. China’s expansion in the Pacific is unnerving to say the least, and the last prime ministerial visits to Vanuatu and Fiji were in 1990 and 2006 respectively, both of which were to ... ► Read more

Thursday 17 January 2019 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Fijian workers able to work on Australian farms under expanded Pacific Labour Scheme

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will today announce that Fijian workers will be able to work on Australian farms under the expanded Pacific Labour Scheme. “We will work with Fiji to help them access the Pacific Labour Scheme this year, boosting both economies while helping Australian farmers,” Mr Morrison said ahead of his visit. Under the expanded scheme, workers from certain Pacific countries are able to work in rural and regional Australia for up to ... ► Read more

Wednesday 16 January 2019 by Elise Sherry

Chechnya: two people killed and 40 detained in LGBT purge, activists say

At least two people have died and 40 others detained by the Republic of Chechnya in Russia in a crackdown against the gay community, LGBT+ activists charged on Monday (local time). The new allegations follows reports that emerged in 2017 claiming that more than 100 gay men were arrested and subjected to torture, with some of them killed, in the conservative republic. “Widespread detentions, torture and killings of gay people have resumed in Chechnya,” Igor ... ► Read more

Wednesday 16 January 2019 by OPMagazine & News Agencies

Gillette toxic masculinity ad sparks calls for boycott

Some customers say they are throwing their Gillette razors out in disgust at the shaving supply company’s latest ad campaign challenging men to “shave their toxic masculinity”. The ad, called ‘We Believe’, is among the first to address the #MeToo movement head on and urges society to no longer use the excuse “boys will be boys” for bad behaviour — but not everybody is on board. On social media, some people have claimed the ad demonises ... ► Read more

Tuesday 15 January 2019 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

NSW Coroner to investigate musical festival deaths

A directions hearing will be held next Tuesday as the NSW Coroner opens an inquest into recent deaths at music festivals in the state. The inquest will focus on five deaths since September 2018: Diana Nguyen and Joseph Nguyen Nhu Binh Pham at the Defqon 1 festival on 15 September 2018. Callum Brosnan, who died after attending the Knockout — Games of Destiny festival on 9 December 2018. Joshua Tam, who died following the Lost ... ► Read more

American actor Rose McGowan has been ordered to pay US $2,5000 after pleading no contest to a charge of misdemeanour possession of a controlled substance. The Loudoun County Circuit Court also gave her a 12-month suspended sentence, meaning she will not go to prison unless she commits another offence in that period. “Sometimes you have to lose the battle to win the war,” Ms McGowan told Washington DC broadcaster WTOP Radio. “I’m in it for ... ► Read more

Monday 14 January 2019 by OPMagazine & News Agencies

NSW Premier under pressure amid fresh calls for pill testing

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is standing firm on her opposition to pill testing, despite pleas from the family of a teenager who died of a suspected overdose after taking drugs at a music festival. Alex Ross-King, 19, died after she was rushed from the FOMO festival at Parramatta Park to Westmead Hospital on Saturday night. It was the fifth such death in NSW since mid-September. “Premier please can we have this pill testing done,” her ... ► Read more

Tuesday 8 January 2019 by Elise Sherry

Kevin Spacey Pleads Not Guilty to 2016 Sexual Assault Allegation

Actor Kevin Spacey pleaded not guilty of sexual assault when the Oscar winner appeared in court to answer to allegations that he groped a teenager at a bar in Massachusetts in 2016. The case is the first against Mr Spacey to reach court, after a series of sexual assault allegations were made against him at the end of 2017. The former House of Cards actor was not asked for his plea during the arraignment, but ... ► Read more

Wednesday 12 December 2018 by Joseph Olbrycht-Palmer

TIME announces its Person of the Year

TIME Magazine has named four journalists and a newspaper as its 2018 Person of the Year for what it says is standing up for the truth in the face of persecution and violence. The group, which TIME called “the guardians”, consists of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi; the Capital Gazette in Annapolis, Maryland, where five people were shot dead at the newspaper’s offices in June; Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, who has been arrested; and Reuters journalists ... ► Read more

Tuesday 11 December 2018 by OPMagazine & News Agencies

Cabinet plans to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

The Morrison Government will formally recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital after a cabinet meeting but it won’t be announced until the COAG meeting on Wednesday, according to The Australian. Citing sources, The Australian reports that the decision will be ratified by the cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday after the national security committee approved it on Monday night. However, the Australian embassy won’t be moved from Tel Aviv just yet. Instead a consular office will be ... ► Read more

Monday 10 December 2018 by Sam Elliott and Matilda Elliott

Summer season song starters

Even though we have only just entered summer, we are in the most jovial mood for the summer sounds to come. We have been absolutely spoilt with amazing songs this year, and these three months are no exception! Here are some tracks we have been frothing that have lead us into our fav season! The Buoys: “Make It Clear” Opening with a low, gritty guitar riff, “Make It Clear” instantly grabs your attention and forces ... ► Read more

Monday 10 December 2018 by OPMagazine & News Agencies

Knockout Games of Destiny death renews calls for pill testing

Another Sydney music festival death has renewed calls for pill testing at major events but the NSW Premier is standing firm against the measure. A 19-year-old man died in Concord Hospital early on Sunday while two women, aged 19 and 25, and a man are in critical but stable conditions at Westmead Hospital after suspected drug overdoses at the Knockout Games of Destiny dance party at Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday night. NSW Police Assistant ... ► Read more

Friday 7 December 2018 by OPMagazine & News Agencies

Buzzcocks lead singer Pete Shelley dies at age 63

Buzzcocks lead singer Pete Shelley has died at 63 of a suspected heart attack. The punk band are best known for their hit, “Ever Fallen in Love”. Their management told the BBC that Mr Shelley died on Thursday (local time) in Estonia where he was living. The band tweeted: Pete's music has inspired generations of musicians over a career that spanned five decades and with his band and as a solo artist, he was held ... ► Read more

Friday 30 November 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

UNESCO adds reggae to list of intangible cultural heritage

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has recognised reggae music as a global treasure by adding the genre to its list of intangible cultural heritage. Originating in Jamaica in the 1960s, reggae became popular worldwide thanks to artists such as Bob Marley and the Wailers, Prince Buster and Jimmy Cliff, and it has influenced generations of musicians outside Jamaica. “Its contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity ... ► Read more

Thursday 29 November 2018 by OPMagazine & News Agencies

Amy Shark, 5SOS big winners at 2018 ARIA Awards

Amy Shark and 5 Seconds of Summer are the biggest winners at the 2018 ARIA Awards, which has seen Australian music royalty brave Sydney’s inclement weather to herald their best and brightest. Ms Shark, whose debut album Love Monster went to number one on the charts this year, won Best Pop Release — one of nine awards the 32-year-old Queenslander was nominated for. She also took home Best Female Artist and Album of the Year, becoming ... ► Read more

Thursday 22 November 2018 by OPMagazine & News Agencies

Uncontacted Indian tribe kills young American explorer

Members of one of the world’s last tribes untouched by modern civilisation have killed an American who ventured illegally onto their remote island, Indian police said on Wednesday (local time). John Allen Chau, 27, was hit by a hail of arrows as he set foot on North Sentinel Island, part of the Indian Andaman Islands, last Saturday, official sources told Agence France Presse (AFP). “He was attacked by arrows but he continued walking. The fishermen ... ► Read more

Sunday 18 November 2018 by Yiannis Chambers

Week in Brief: 10 November – 18 November 2018

UK, EU agree on draft Brexit deal In a diplomatic breakthrough, UK and European Union officials have agreed the draft text of a Brexit agreement after months of negotiations. See OPMG’s coverage of this story here. Morrison reverses “foolish” decision to cut Foodbank funding Prime Minister Scott Morrison has intervened to boost the Government’s food relief budget to ensure a charity that feeds 710,000 people a month retains its funding. See OPMG’s coverage of this ... ► Read more

Wednesday 14 November 2018 by Sam Elliott and Matilda Elliott

Amyl and the Sniffers: it’s still passion

Amyl and the Sniffers are an enigma. The very first time we got the pleasure of seeing these guys play was when they were opening for cult favourites Cosmic Psychos in Sydney. We stood watching the stage for the space of what felt like a millisecond before being electrocuted into the world the Sniffers projected. It was unreal. After showcasing our over excited, mountain-goat-style jumping up and down and ridiculous dance moves for the duration ... ► Read more

Tuesday 13 November 2018 by Joseph Olbrycht-Palmer

Stan Lee dies aged 95

American writer, Marvel co-creator and pop culture revolutionary Stan Lee has died at age 95. Mr Lee passed away early on Monday morning in Los Angeles after being rushed to hospital, his daughter told entertainment outlets. He had battled multiple illnesses in recent years. Mr Lee was the mind behind hundreds of Marvel characters from Iron Man and Thor to Spider Man and Black Panther. Tributes to the comic book great have surfaced across social ... ► Read more

In the Federal Court today, Justice Michael Wigney rejected The Daily Telegraph’s request to call a new witness to give evidence in the defamation case brought against the newspaper by actor Geoffrey Rush. Mr Rush is suing the newspaper over two articles and a newsagent poster that alleged he was involved in “inappropriate behaviour” toward a fellow actor during a production of King Lear in 2015–16. Justice Wigney said that he would not permit the ... ► Read more

Friday 19 October 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Pope Francis open to visiting North Korea

Pope Francis has indicated that he is open to an official visit to North Korea, a country recognised as the worst in the world for persecuting Christians. South Korean President Moon Jae-in relayed an invitation from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to the Pope during a private audience at the Vatican on Thursday. The South Korean presidential office said President Moon “conveyed [Kim’s] desire for a papal visit to North Korea”, and that a formal ... ► Read more

Monday 15 October 2018 by Joseph Olbrycht-Palmer

Duke and Duchess of Sussex land in Sydney ahead of Invictus Games

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have arrived in Sydney for their debut royal tour. The couple had a modest reception consisting mostly of media and security and were briskly bundled into a car bound for Admiralty House at Kirribilli. Prince Harry gave a quick thumbs up as he and Meghan departed Sydney airport, as they begin their tour ahead of The Invictus Games. Follow @tendailyau for details on the Aussie royal tour #TenNews #royalsdownunder ... ► Read more

Sunday 14 October 2018 by Yiannis Chambers

Week In Brief: 7 – 13 October 2018

Government promises to fast track company tax cuts ahead of federal election The Morrison Government has promised to fast track company tax cuts ahead of the next federal election, with legislation to be introduced to Parliament in the next fortnight. See OPMG’s coverage of this story here. AFP raids Home Affairs Dept over au pair scandal leaks Federal Police are raiding the Department of Home Affairs over suspected leaks in relation to the au pair ... ► Read more

Friday 12 October 2018 by Elise Sherry

Prosecutors drop one of three sexual assault charges against Harvey Weinstein

Prosecutors have dropped one of the three sexual assault charges against Harvey Weinstein, after evidence emerged that a police detective coached a witness to stay silent about evidence that cast doubt on the account of one of his accusers. The 66-year-old former movie mogul continues to face other allegations that he raped an unidentified woman in a hotel room in 2013 and performed a forced sex act on another woman in 2006. He has pleaded ... ► Read more

Friday 12 October 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Religious schools shouldn’t expel gay students, Prime Minister says

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he would “not be comfortable” with gay students being expelled from religious schools, he said in response to leaked recommendations of the Ruddock review into religious freedoms. A list of 20 recommendations leaked to the media on Friday included the recommendation that amendments be made to the Sexual Discrimination Act to ensure religious schools can discriminate against both students and staff “on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or ... ► Read more

Monday 8 October 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Controversy over planned use of Opera House as billboard to promote horse race

The New South Wales Government’s plan to use the Sydney Opera House as a digital billboard to promote the $13 million Everest Cup horse race has proved controversial, despite being backed by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Late last week the Premier intervened after broadcaster Alan Jones publicly criticised Opera House executive Louise Herron, who said that words or branding promoting the Everest Cup should not be projected onto the Opera ... ► Read more

Turkish officials claim to have concrete evidence that missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered after entering the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul to collect papers for his upcoming wedding. Mr Khashoggi has not been seen since since Tuesday last week when he entered the consulate. Despite Saudi officials saying he left shortly afterwards, his fiancée, who was waiting outside, said he never came out. The 59-year-old contributor to The Washington Post was once close to ... ► Read more

Friday 5 October 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Chin-Leong Tan appointed as next Race Discrimination Commissioner

Former lawyer Chin-Leong Tan has been appointed as Australia’s next Race Discrimination Commissioner, and says he will not hesitate to call out racism in the role. Mr Tan has held a number of diversity-focused leadership roles and will take up his new post on Monday, replacing departing Commissioner Tim Soutphomassane, who in August warned that “race politics” is back in Australia. Although Mr Tan said he’s “not in the business of criticising people”, he said ... ► Read more

Sunday 30 September 2018 by Yiannis Chambers

Week in Brief: 23 – 29 September 2018

Judge Brett Kavanaugh faces second sexual misconduct allegation United States Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh has been accused of sexual misconduct by a second woman, following allegations last week that he sexually assaulted a woman at a party in 1982. See OPMG’s coverage of this story here. Trump boasts met with laughter by UN General Assembly United States President Donald Trump gave a wide-ranging speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, which ... ► Read more

Friday 28 September 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Nyiyaparli community wins 20-year native title battle

The Nyiyparli community has won a 20-year legal battle to be recognised as the native title holders of approximately 40,000 square kilometres of land in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, which includes the mining town of Newman. The Aboriginal community lodged its first claim on 29 September 1998, and Federal Court Justice Michael Barker handed down his decision — which has not yet been published — in an on-country at Coondiner Pool (Kuntinha) hearing ... ► Read more

Thursday 27 September 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Bali announces crack down on “insolent” tourists

Authorities on the Indonesian resort island of Bali will issue new rules on visiting religious sites, a Hindu leader said on Wednesday, after disrespectful behaviour by foreign tourists sparked anger among adherents. The Balinese provincial government is preparing a decree to regulate temple visits in order to preserve the sanctity of the holy sites, according to I Gusti Ngurah Sudiana, chairperson of the Bali-based Indonesian Hindu Society. A working group comprising of government representatives and ... ► Read more

Wednesday 26 September 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Business group says Indigenous public holiday could cost $3 billion

The creation of a public holiday to recognise Indigenous Australians could cost the economy $3 billion, according to Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive James Pearson. On Tuesday Prime Minister Scott Morrison responded to growing calls that Australia Day be moved from 26 January by suggesting the creation of a separate holiday to recognise and celebrate Indigenous Australians. But Mr Pearson says that the potential cost in foregone economic activity must be taken ... ► Read more

Wednesday 26 September 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Bill Cosby sentenced to three to 10 years for sexual assault

American entertainer Bill Cosby has been sentenced to at least three years imprisonment for sexual assault. Judge Steven O’Neill handed down the sentence following a two-day hearing at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania on Tuesday (local time). In April 2018 Mr Cosby was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault for drugging and molesting Andrea Constand in 2004, but had to wait until September to be sentenced. Judge O’Neill sentenced Mr Cosby ... ► Read more

Tuesday 25 September 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Prime Minister calls for special day to celebrate Indigenous Australians

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has suggested the creation of a new national holiday to honour and recognise Indigenous Australians in response to growing calls for Australia Day to be moved from 26 January. His suggestion comes after his government stripped Byron Shire Council of its right to hold citizenship ceremonies for moving its Australia Day festivities, with Immigration Minister David Coleman saying the date should “not be politicised”. Mr Morrison wants a special day to ... ► Read more

Monday 24 September 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

“Advance Australia Fair”: we might not be responsible for the past, but we can do better for the future

This is a response to “Harper Nielsen’s protest is nothing more than virtue signalling” by Greg Dewberry. It’s true that current generations are not to blame for the actions of their predecessors, but this does not mean that current generations should be complacent when it comes to correcting the effects of historical wrongs. I have to refuse to accept any blame for the effects of colonialism on Australia, because if I did it would undoubtedly ... ► Read more

Sunday 23 September 2018 by Yiannis Chambers

Week in Brief: 16 – 22 September 2018

Government, aged-care sector to establish royal commission scope The Government will work with aged-care providers to determine the terms of reference for the newly announced royal commission into the sector, Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters on Sunday. See OPMG’s coverage of this story here. China levies new tariffs in response to US tariff hike China has announced it will levy tariffs on about US $60 billion worth of American imports in response to the ... ► Read more

Wednesday 19 September 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Wreck of Cook’s HMS Endeavour may have been found

Marine archaeologists believe they have identified the resting place of HMS Endeavour, the ship commanded by James Cook to Australia on his first voyage of discovery. The ship was scuttled along with a number of others in Newport, Rhode Island during the American Revolution, and its wreck is of historical significance to several countries, including Britain, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. The potential discovery of the wreck has raised hopes that the vessel’s ... ► Read more

Monday 17 September 2018 by Joseph Olbrycht-Palmer

Government, aged-care sector to establish royal commission scope

The Government will work with aged-care providers to determine the terms of reference for the newly announced royal commission into the sector, Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters on Sunday. Mr Morrison announced the royal commission in response to findings of widespread non-compliance and abuse of elderly people at aged-care facilities. According to the Minister for Health Greg Hunt, there was a 177% increase in the number of aged-care homes where a serious risk to ... ► Read more

Sunday 16 September 2018 by Greg Dewberry

Harper Nielsen’s protest is nothing more than virtue signalling

“Australians all let us rejoice” — that is the opening line of “Advance Australia Fair”, our national anthem in Australia, and to me it speaks for itself. It calls for every Australian to rejoice. I’m an Australian. My great-great-grandparents moved here in 1844. Eddie, the Chinese man who has owned the house next door to mine for 45 years — he’s an Australian. Bill, the Greek man who lives on my other border and drinks at my ... ► Read more

Thursday 6 September 2018 by Joseph Olbrycht-Palmer

Julie Bishop: ‘Aren’t the public justified in feeling contempt for all of us?’

Former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has criticised her parliamentary colleagues, saying she has witnessed “appalling” behaviour she never would have accepted while running a major law firm 20 years ago. Speaking at a Women’s Weekly awards event in Sydney, Ms Bishop discussed her experience of being a senior woman in the Turnbull Government and addressed a number of issues, including the lack of female MPs within the Liberal Party, bullying from male colleagues, and the adversarial nature ... ► Read more

A new study has shown that women are becoming increasingly drawn to right-wing populist parties, often showing more radicalism than men. According to the study conducted by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES), which is affiliated with Germany’s centre-left Social Democratic Party, the number of women drawn to right-wing populist parties is increasing. The report examined right-wing populist voters in Germany, France, Greece, Poland, Sweden and Hungary. Elisa Gutchse, who edited the FES study, argued that ... ► Read more

Thursday 30 August 2018 by Elise Sherry

Aus. Government threatens to deny whistleblower Chelsea Manning a visa

The Australian Government has threatened tour organisers with a visa denial for convicted classified document leaker Chelsea Manning ahead of her upcoming tour. Think Inc., the tour organisers, announced on Thursday that it had received a notice of intention from the Government to deny Chelsea Manning entry to Australia for her speaking tour which is scheduled to start in Sydney on Sunday. The group is now calling on Ms Manning’s supporters to lobby new Immigration Minister ... ► Read more

Sunday 26 August 2018 by Yiannis Chambers

Week in Brief: 19 August – 25 August 2018

Scott Morrison wins leadership spill Scott Morrison has won Friday’s Liberal leadership spill, clearing the way for him to become Australia’s 30th Prime Minister. See OPMG’s coverage of this story here. Government instability in the wake of leadership challenge Malcolm Turnbull’s coalition government was rocked by turmoil following Tuesday’s unsuccessful leadership challenge by former Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton. See OPMG’s coverage of this story here. Trump warns American economy would crash if he ... ► Read more

Monday 13 August 2018 by Dylan Zardain

Australia’s population: it isn’t so bad

On 7 August 2018 Australia hit the wonderful milestone of growing to a population greater than 25 million. Australia’s population still remains fairly small in comparison to other nations even with smaller landmass. So, while you may believe we are taking in a record number of refugees, or that foreigners are taking all your jobs, here are a couple of reasons why you should be thankful about our population size and perhaps realise that it ... ► Read more

Monday 13 August 2018 by Elise Sherry

Idris Elba fuels speculation that he may be the next James Bond

Idris Elba has fueled speculation that he will be the next James Bond by posting a photo of himself on Twitter on Sunday night with the caption, “my name’s Elba, Idris Elba”. my name’s Elba, Idris Elba. pic.twitter.com/kEyyaVg8JX — Idris Elba (@idriselba) August 12, 2018 Rumours around who will play the suave MI6 agent after Daniel Craig’s 12 year run as Mr Bond have continued to circle throughout the media and the internet. However, the rumour ... ► Read more

Tuesday 7 August 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Australia’s population will hit 25 million tonight, claims Bureau of Statistics

According to projections from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s population will reach 25 million tonight, with net migration continuing to increase faster than births. Australia’s population currently increases at about one person every minute and 23 seconds, and the new record is expected to be set at about 11:00 pm. Author and political commentator George Megalogenis said that the 25 millionth person will most likely be a young female Chinese student or skilled worker, ... ► Read more

Monday 6 August 2018 by Grace Olbrycht-Palmer

Craig Emerson quits Sky News over Blair Cottrell interview

Craig Emerson resigned from his regular commentary spot on Sky News on Monday in protest of the network’s interview with far right ‘activist’ Blair Cottrell on Sunday night. The former Labor front-bencher announced his resignation from Sky via Twitter, saying the broadcaster’s interview “Neo-Nazi Blair [Cottrell]…was another step in a journey to normalising racism & bigotry in our country.” Mr Emerson tweeted: I have advised @SkyNewsAust that I have quit as a Sky commentator. My father ... ► Read more

Thursday 2 August 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Remains of ancient public library unearthed in Germany

The remains of an ancient Roman public library that may have held up to 20,000 scrolls have been discovered in Cologne, western Germany. Dating to the second century AD, the walls were first uncovered in 2017 during an excavation on the grounds of a Protestant church in the city centre. Archaeologists were initially mystified by niches in the walls, but have now identified their purpose. “It took us some time to match up the parallels ... ► Read more

Monday 30 July 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Lee Lin Chin signs off on her final SBS broadcast

Veteran broadcaster and fashion icon Lee Lin Chin hosted her final bulletin for SBS on Sunday night, after announcing her resignation last week. At the end of the program, Ms Lin addressed viewers, saying: “As we approach the end of this evening’s news, my final bulletin on SBS, I take my leave with sadness.” “Over the years, all my colleagues have featured very prominently and positively in both my life at the network and in ... ► Read more

We live in a divided world. We live in a world where people will disagree on anything, while people fight for their rights, support their politicians and back their own sides; there is few things that we can all agree on. Now, while it is often said that you cannot make everyone happy, and that may be true, what most functioning human beings can agree on whether you’re left-wing or right-wing is that pedophilia is ... ► Read more

Wednesday 25 July 2018 by Grace Olbrycht-Palmer

Kuwaiti Insta-influencer upset migrant workers allowed four days off a month

Kuwaiti beauty blogger Sondos Alqattan has received criticism for her comments regarding the rights of Filipino migrants to have one day off a week. Kuwait’s new Kafala system provides one day off work a week for Filipino migrant workers, a change that sparked racist comments from the 27-year-old social media influencer. The system, which sponsors unskilled workers in much of the Middle East, has been under fire from the Human Rights Watch and the international ... ► Read more

Trevor Noah is currently facing criticism for a 2013 video that has resurfaced which shows the comedian and television presenter making racist jokes about Australian Aboriginal women. “All women of every race can be beautiful,” he said during a 2013 stand-up routine. “And I know some of you are sitting there now going, ‘Oh Trevor… I’ve never seen a beautiful Aborigine.’ But you know what you say? You say, ‘Yet.’ Because you haven’t seen all ... ► Read more

Friday 13 July 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Archaeologists discover hidden shrine in Aztec pyramid

Archaeologists in Mexico have discovered a shrine hidden in the remains of the great pyramid of Teopanzolco, near Cuernavaca. The shrine was discovered during the ongoing clean-up efforts following a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on 19 September 2017. Archaeologists from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) discovered the shrine while using radar technology to scan the pyramid for structural damage. Atop the pyramid are the remnants of two temples, one dedicated to the Aztec ... ► Read more

Former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has slammed British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen after he duped her during an interview while posing as a disabled war veteran for his upcoming television series Who Is America? Ms Palin attacked Mr Cohen on Facebook on Tuesday night, writing: “Mock politicians and innocent public personalities all you want, if that lets you sleep at night, but HOW DARE YOU mock those who have fought and served our country. ... ► Read more

Wednesday 11 July 2018 by Sam Elliott and Matilda Elliott

Our safety is not your choice

We often walk home in the very early hours of the morning as a pair. On one particular walk home we were being yelled at by two adult men. They had gotten off the train like we had and were both much larger than the two of us. They were jeering and commenting on our appearances, and how exciting it was that we are identical twins. Of course we couldn’t ignore them, but we couldn’t ... ► Read more

The European Parliament voted to reopen debate on the controversial Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market on Thursday, giving Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) more time to debate the directive ahead of another vote in September. The directive is part of a bundle of proposed legislative measures to harmonise certain aspects of copyright law across the European Union’s member states. Copyright owners, creators, publishers, record labels, journalists, and their respective representative industry ... ► Read more

Thursday 28 June 2018 by Elise Sherry

Australian stars push for streaming service local content investment quota

High profile Australian actors, writers and directors have urged the Government to mandate a local content investment quota for streaming services such as Netflix. Stars such as Judy Davis, Richard Roxborough and 30 others, told politicians — including Minister of Communications and the Arts Mitch Fifield — that the the local screen industry is under dire threat and could be wiped out by the new streaming services. Andrew Knight, the writer of hit television series Jack ... ► Read more

Thursday 14 June 2018 by Elise Sherry

Macedonian President refuses to sign off on landmark name change deal

Macedonia’s President says he will not sign-off on a historical deal reached with Greece on changing his country’s name. The refusal by President Gjorge Ivanov has dashed hopes of ending a 27-year dispute with Greece, which has blocked Macedonia’s entry into the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). On Tuesday, a deal was reached between Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsparis and Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev to officially change Macedonia’s name to ... ► Read more

Wednesday 13 June 2018 by Elise Sherry

Macedonia changes its name ending a 27-year dispute with Greece

Greece and Macedonia have reached an historic agreement that will change the name of Macedonia, ending a 27-year long dispute that has kept the smaller, younger country out of international organisations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). The Balkan country will be officially recognised both nationally and internationally as the Northern Republic of Macedonia, a transition that was announced by Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsparis and his Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev on Tuesday. ... ► Read more

Monday 11 June 2018 by Greg Dewberry

God save our long weekend

It’s the moment when my daughters’ eyes begin to silently roll upwards; the moment when I, like all dads, begin a sentence with “When I was a boy…”. Well, when I was a boy, the long weekend in June was about one thing — spending all of our pocket money, as well as any extra we could wrangle out of our parent’s pocket, on fireworks. In the 1960s the bigger kids in the street would spend ... ► Read more

Monday 11 June 2018 by Mozart Olbrycht-Palmer

Week in Brief: 3–9 June 2018

Australia Victoria on track to enact indigenous treaty law The Victorian Government has agreed to make amendments to its Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Bill 2018 to ensure it is passed by both houses of the Victorian Parliament. The bill establishes a framework and system of representation within which treaties with Aboriginal Victorians can be negotiated. The amendments will add a definition of ‘treaty’ in the bill, define ‘traditional owners’ (who will be ... ► Read more

Wednesday 6 June 2018 by Dylan Zardain

Predictions for the near future

As humans, it is natural to contemplate and plan for the future. Whether that be with optimism or pessimism, we have an obsession with the future, and often worry about it. Obviously, it is impossible to predict the future with pinpoint accuracy; however, experts and theorists for many years have continued to try their hand at determining what the future for civilisation may hold. From self-driving cars to the food we consume, the work of ... ► Read more

Thursday 31 May 2018 by Grace Olbrycht-Palmer

Weinstein to face trial over sex crime allegations

American film producer Harvey Weinstein has been indicted for sex crimes by a grand jury in New York and will face a full criminal trial, following a flood of accusations that began in October 2017. Mr Weinstein, 66, is charged with one two counts of rape and one count of committing a criminal sexual act, which allegedly occurred in 2004 and 2013. He faces between five and 25 years imprisonment for each offence. The charges ... ► Read more

Tuesday 29 May 2018 by Grace Olbrycht-Palmer

San Diego Zoo’s Maori dancer blunder could have been avoided so easily, it’s laughable

One may wonder whether to laugh or be worried by San Diego’s Zoo cultural mix-up this week. During the opening of an Australian exhibition, typically featuring iconic ‘Aussie’ creatures including kangaroos and wallabies, there was another element that was definitely incongruous with that Australian theme: Maori dancers. The mix-up has sparked outrage, but the first and strongest reaction has been incredulity. Is it fair to assume that a zoo, whose job is to exhibit animals of the ... ► Read more

Image credit: Newtown grafitti (Flickr) We are all familiar with the old adage “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me”. Well it appears that in a post-political correctness world, words are all you need to do all the damage you’d like. I enjoy free speech, and I am a firm believer that this is a very important piece to the way modern society operates. However, I cannot foresee a ... ► Read more

Friday 11 May 2018 by Elise Sherry

Australia’s oldest scientist ends his life through assisted suicide in Switzerland

Professor David Goodall has fulfilled his wish and ended his life at the age of 104 through an assisted suicide program in Switzerland on Thursday (local time). The professor was surrounded by his family, including five of his grandchildren who travelled from the US and France to say their farewells. “I’m feeling very emotional but at the same time I’m at peace,” daughter Karen Goodall-Smith told the ABC on the eve of his death. Mr ... ► Read more

Monday 7 May 2018 by Elise Sherry

Stormy Daniels makes a surprise appearance on comedy show SNL

Stormy Daniels has made a surprise appearance on the hit comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL), warning US President Donald Trump that a storm is coming. Ms Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, is suing Mr Trump and his former lawyer Michael Cohen over a non-disclosure agreement that she signed to keep quiet about an alleged affair with the President, and claims that Mr Cohen intimidated her. Appearing alongside actor Alec Baldwin, who plays ... ► Read more

Wednesday 2 May 2018 by Dylan Zardain

The stupidity of “cultural appropriation”

Today’s society is a confused one. We currently live in a world where we simultaneously do not want to hurt anyone’s feelings and all feel included, but also want to segregate ourselves and claim things that we can enjoy, but others cannot. I am of course referring to what some call “cultural appropriation”. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “cultural appropriation” is defined as “the act of taking or using things from a culture that is ... ► Read more

Monday 30 April 2018 by Elise Sherry

First Australian pill-testing trial a success

The trial for pill-testing at music festival Groovin the Moo in Canberra has uncovered some lethal and obscure ingredients in what attendants thought to be party drugs. The festival, which spans over the course of one weekend, is the first instance where pill-testing has been attempted in Australia. A total of 85 substances were tested by the Safety and Testing and Advisory Service at Festivals and Events (STA-SAFE). The most troubling discovery was of two extremely ... ► Read more

Sunday 29 April 2018 by Yiannis Chambers and Brendan Raymond

Week in Brief: 22–28 April 2018

Story of the week Historic meeting between Korean leaders Kim Jong-un became the first leader of North Korea to step over the military demarcation line into South Korea for 65 years last Friday. The meeting between Chairman Kim and South Korean President, Moon Jae-in, is the first inter-Korean summit in over ten years. After stepping over the line into South Korea, Kim also invited Moon to step back over into North Korea with him, which ... ► Read more

Thursday 26 April 2018 by Dylan Zardain

The animal hierarchy

Image credit: Daniel Stockman (Flickr) Animals have played an integral part in the lives of humans since the beginning of time. We have since learnt to domesticate and live alongside some animals, and many households today couldn’t imagine their lives without the companionship of their family pets. According to Canstar Pet Insurance, over 62% of Australian households own some kind of pet, whether it be a cat or a dog, a bird or a rabbit. ... ► Read more

OPMG Collective: the Ruddock Review and religious freedoms

The Religious Freedom Review, an expert panel to inquire into the protection of religious freedom in Australia, was announced on 22 November 2017. The expert panel, with Philip Ruddock as its chair, is due to hand down its report on 18 May 2018. In the wake of the same-sex marriage debate, the findings of the review promise to be controversial, and to re-ignite the debate on the role of religion in society. For OPMG’s second ... ► Read more

Tuesday 10 April 2018 by Dylan Zardain

The problem with [insert stupid idea here] challenges

Image Credit: Jason Chen (Youtube) They say that with each year you grow a little older and a little wiser. However, in a broader societal sense, that seems to be quite the contrary. In our modern world we are lucky enough to be blessed with the internet, a magnificent tool that has expanded the realm of possibility for society and made information more readily available than ever before. However, instead of learning new skills, researching ... ► Read more

Sunday 1 April 2018 by Brendan Raymond

Easter: more than bunnies, eggs, and buns

For many people, Easter is just a long weekend holiday that is associated with eating chocolate, spending time with family, running around looking for eggs, maybe having a bit of a rest, and hot cross buns. Oh, and being advertised way too early in the stores, just like Christmas is. Many people probably know the basic story of Easter. Jewish religious guru gets a bit too big for his boots, the other Jews develop a ... ► Read more

Thursday 29 March 2018 by Dylan Zardain

The debate that has gone on far too long

I had previously believed that we had passed the age of believing that video games were the source of your child’s anger or aggression. But as time goes on, I continue to see news articles and stories that show me that we are indeed not past this phase; and for some odd reason, parents continue to believe that video games and violent television are a significant issue in society. Now, while I do believe too ... ► Read more

Friday 23 March 2018 by Greg Dewberry

Has diversity become more important than skill?

Most people born in the twentieth century would define equal opportunity along the lines of it being the principle of treating all people the same, and not being influenced by their race, religion, gender etc. However, in 2018 equal opportunity is rapidly being redefined along the lines of the Orwellian novel Animal Farm where “all animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others”. Case in point, the University of Sydney Union, one ... ► Read more

Thursday 22 March 2018 by Dylan Zardain

Society’s unhealthy obsession

In today’s fast-paced, modern era, we are all connected to our smartphones and devices more than ever. We are saturated with internet stars, movie stars, and musicians all over our news feeds and social media pages. In a world where even chefs can be regarded as celebrities, it is no surprise that a large portion of society looks up to these people as idols or role models, and feel connected to them in some way. ... ► Read more

Monday 5 March 2018 by Brendan Raymond

90th Academy Awards (2018)

As always, the Academy Awards — better known as the Oscars — are highly sought-after and much-contested, and their presentation is looked forward to with enormous anticipation by those both within and outside the film industry. People all around the world lean in to see which of their favourite films, actors and directors are awarded a coveted Grouch — er, Oscar. We’ve put together the list of winners of the 90th Academy Awards! Best picture: The ... ► Read more

Tuesday 27 February 2018 by Sam Elliott and Matilda Elliott

Five songs that made our summer

As the end of February approaches, it is with angst that we must say goodbye to summer. This summer we found ourselves doing a lot of new things and having lots of fun experiences. While doing so we had a lot of songs that we regularly listened to, and more we discovered along the way. We have compiled five songs that, in their own way, made our summer a memorable and joyful one. Camp Cope — ... ► Read more

Thursday 15 February 2018 by Brendan Raymond

Love is in the … wallets?

February 14th — a day of sending people red roses, and heart-shaped cards, and boxes of chocolates big enough that they don’t mind that you’re not actually there, right? A day following in the tradition of St Valentine, who did…er…something to do with romantic love? Well, while many are worried about their wallets when Valentine’s Day comes around, I thought it would be interesting to look at the history of the day. Most people know that ... ► Read more

Tuesday 6 February 2018 by Greg Dewberry

We shouldn’t live under two flags

Hot on the heels of the recent “Change the Date” debate regarding Australia Day, has come the debate over flying the Australian Aboriginal Flag along side of the Australian National Flag. NSW Labor is backing the online campaign by a young indigenous woman named Cherie Toka, to permanently have the Aboriginal Flag fly alongside the Australian National Flag and State Flag at the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Before we get into it though, ... ► Read more

Wednesday 31 January 2018 by Dylan Zardain

Optimistic Nihilism: the positives of being negative

If you have read some of my other articles, I’m sure you may have come to the realisation that my opinions and views can be quite negative and depressing. Although it may be true that I usually hold a pessimistic outlook on life, and that my expectations and hopes for humanity are currently at an all-time low; I personally am actually quite happy. I am entirely content with my personal life and the way things ... ► Read more

Thursday 25 January 2018 by Greg Dewberry

Why we shouldn’t change the date

Australia Day used to be a day off from work, filled with beach, barbeques, fireworks, flag-wearing and other festivities. For decades now there have been protests from the indigenous community against this celebration, declaring it either a Day of Mourning or Invasion Day. Are the indigenous groups accurate in their assessment of what Australia Day stands for? Is it a day of mourning? Well certainly the history of European settlement can detail, among other things, ... ► Read more

Thursday 25 January 2018 by Yiannis Chambers

Why not changing the date is denying history

What makes a national day? In the United States, as with the majority of nations, it is a commemoration of defiant independence. France celebrates the storming of a fortress – a moment of fire and blood that gave way to the Republic. Over the border, it is a day of unification, when East and West reunited as one Germany. In short, it is a day where a country looks to the past to celebrate the ... ► Read more

Wednesday 24 January 2018 by Joseph Olbrycht-Palmer

Fake news isn’t the problem, we are

Image credit: Mike MacKenzie (Flickr) – CC BY 2.0 After copping criticism over the spread of “fake news” via Facebook during the 2016 US Presidential Election, Mark Zuckerberg has announced Facebook is introducing measures that will prioritise “trusted” and “informative” news sources in users’ Facebook News Feeds. According to Mr Zuckerberg: “There’s too much sensationalism, misinformation and polarization in the world today. Social media enables people to spread information faster than ever before, and if ... ► Read more